Arminda Hepute
When I found myself at Marlborough House in London, participating in the Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship, I had to pause for a moment and reflect on my background, my journey and the challenges I had faced along the way.
As a young Namibian involved in youth diplomacy, I realised that it is important to use my position not only to inspire others, but also to show them that it is possible for anyone to achieve their dreams, regardless of where they come from.
My journey reminds me that our beginnings do not define our future. Sometimes, all people need is someone to show them that the possibilities are real.
Part of my growth and journey in youth development has been motivated by James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, which emphasises the importance of improving by 1% every day.
I believe it is crucial for Namibian youth to embrace self-improvement and recognise their ability to use the resources available to them to create meaningful influence and make an impact in the lives of others.
Standing on the podium of the Youth Leadership Programme in Cambridge, I realised that my background no longer matters. What matters now is what I choose to do moving forward, both in life and in my professional development.
Whenever I am asked, “Who would have ever thought that a young, scared Himba lady from Opuwo would one day not only participate on an international platform, but also find a way to bring what she has learned back home and contribute to its growth?” My answer is always rooted in the principle of 1% improvement every day.
Small, consistent steps have opened doors to international opportunities and made it increasingly difficult for my efforts to be ignored.
Your background may shape where you begin, but it does not have to determine how far you can go.
I feel obliged, as part of my civic duty, to continue telling Namibian youth to look beyond Namibia’s economic circumstances and to think beyond Africa as a continent.
The development of our country will not be built by the people at home alone. It will also be driven by fearless Namibians who are willing to grab opportunities with both hands, wherever those opportunities may arise.
Namibia’s domestic economy grew by less than 3% in 2025, and the country remains among the slower-growing economies in Africa.
The question we should ask ourselves is: how do we ensure that young, energetic and capable Namibians become part of the change instead of remaining part of the group that only complains?
We should also ask whether those who have made it to the next level are taking the time to mentor young people and share strategies and tactics for navigating the international development space, or whether these opportunities are being used solely for self-enrichment.
These are questions we need to answer honestly if we are serious about improving ourselves and our country.
My experience at the Youth Leadership Programme in Cambridge reminded me that growth begins when we are willing to engage, learn from others and step outside our comfort zones.
Growth in the field of youth development at the international level is also heavily influenced by networking and connecting with the right people. I realised that opportunities can create more opportunities.
People should therefore associate themselves with individuals who have been recommended by others, have demonstrated credibility and have proven themselves effective in their work.
I encourage young Namibians, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate in youth programmes, leadership initiatives, conferences, training, volunteering and other opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Living outside Namibia does not limit our ability to learn, contribute, represent our country or connect with other young people around the world.
Sometimes, the person you meet at a programme can become your mentor, colleague, business partner or the person who inspires you to take the next step.
Show up. Participate. Speak. Volunteer. Exchange knowledge. Share your ideas.
Your background is your story, not your ceiling.
Wherever you are in the world, you have something valuable to contribute.
My fellow Namibian youth, you do not necessarily need a university degree to make it onto the international stage or to get your developmental project funded.
You need confidence, determination and the willingness to compete with yourself, not with other people.
If a young Himba woman from Opuwo, who once thought the mountains of the Kunene Region were the borders of the world, can make it onto the international stage, what about you?
I am currently preparing to attend COP32, which will help shape the global agenda for climate action. I sincerely hope that Namibia will participate meaningfully in this important event so that we can address the climate challenges we face at home and ensure that young Namibians are part of the global conversations shaping our future.
Our starting point may be different, but our possibilities do not have to be.
Let us improve by 1% every day. Let us look beyond our circumstances, beyond our borders and beyond the limitations we place on ourselves.
Most importantly, let us remember that your ambition must be bigger than your background.
*Arminda Hepute, is a Global Business Symposium delegate and a young leader from Opuwo with strong interests in humanitarian advocacy and international development.
